The Isle of North Uist

North Uist is in the centre of the group of Islands known as the Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles. The Hebrides are known as the “long island” as they stretch for 100 miles.  The Outer Hebrides consist  of the Isles of Lewis, Harris, Scalpay, Beneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay.

North Uist is a landscape of fresh and salt water lochs bordered on its western side by miles of sandy beaches, and cultivated crofts. North Uist is very popular with walkers, bird watchers, motor homers and cyclists alike. On the west side of the island the road follows the machair, (the fertile coastal grassland bordering the sand dunes), whilst the eastern side is mainly water. This area is a fisherman’s and bird watchers paradise.

The island is connected by causeway to Benbecula, Berneray and Baleshare. Lochmaddy is the main town and fishing port on the island and has a population of approximately 300 people.

North Uist can be reached by ferry from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy or by the smaller ferry which weaves its way through the small islets of the Sound of Harris between Leverburgh on Harris to Berneray, connected by causeway to North Uist.

Explore Outer Hebrides Guide 2021

Click on the image to download a copy

 

The Outer Hebrides Guide is published each year, by Easter. If you wish to have an entry, please email me at alan@explorescotland.net